Textiles
The latest chemistry news and research on textiles, including dye chemistry, functional textiles and polymer fibres, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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OpinionNew materials for sustainable fabrics
Textiles based on agricultural waste, algae and fungi are being developed to improve the environmental impact of the fashion industry
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ResearchColour-changing textiles for temperature regulation
A new smart fabric switches between reflecting and absorbing states without external energy inputs
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ResearchGlycolysis method breaks down mixed textiles for recycling
A new strategy chemically recycles the most common fibres found in fashion waste, including polyester, cotton and nylon
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ResearchSelf-dyeing vegan leather made by genetically engineered bacteria
Material can be shaped into shoes and wallets, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional leather
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ResearchEnzyme engineering makes blue denim greener
Environmentally friendlier alternative to indigo dye can now be made at a competitive price
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ResearchPolar bear-inspired material could be the future of insulating textiles
Encapsulated aerogel fibre can be stretched, dyed and washed without signs of degradation
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FeatureMedical uses for silk
Nina Notman speaks to the researchers exploring medical applications for silkworm silk
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ResearchChemical analysis of Tartan questions cultural perceptions of 18th century Scotland
Anita Quye explains why the sciences and the humanities aren’t as disparate as we might think
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FeatureFashion to dye for
Can colouring clothing be environmentally sustainable? Victoria Atkinson looks at how dyes have come full circle from their natural origins
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ResearchDiscovery of microplastics in people raises difficult questions about health implications
Scientists keep finding tiny polymer particles in lungs, blood and placentas – but what does that mean means for people’s health?
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ResearchHigh performance fabric that can be made from plastic bags could slash fashion’s huge emissions
Polyethylene yarn can create clothes that are stain resistant, cool the wearer and are simple to recycle
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ResearchGiant glowing fabric made into shirtsleeve display
Flexible textile woven from conductive polymer and luminescent fibres made into wearable display and keyboard device
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ResearchColour-changing coating can diagnose damage to climbing ropes or safety equipment
Heat and friction changes appearance of metal-based coating
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BusinessDeveloping antiviral mask technology in a pandemic
Surface chemistry strategies play a pivotal role in personal protective equipment that can neutralise the Sars-CoV-2 virus
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OpinionA dedicated follower of slow fashion
Our features editor has some clothes that are nearly old enough to vote
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FeatureRecycling clothing the chemical way
Nina Notman explores how chemistry is poised to close the loop in clothing recycling
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ResearchSmart textile uses sweat as switch to keep wearer cool or warm
Material becomes more porous and can dissipate infrared radiation in response to moisture
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ResearchReversible textile can keep you both cool and warm
Composite material can both suppress and enhance a body’s heat loss depending on which way round it is
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ResearchCarbon fibre gets a colourful makeover
Titanium dioxide structures allow super strong material to ditch dull reputation